SPEECHES

Grooms Speech | Brides Speech | Bestman's Speech | Father of the Bride

Unless you are used to speaking in public, or are one of those few people who actually enjoy spouting forth to a gathered multitude, getting on your feet and talking about yourself and about an emotional topic like love, relationships and finding just the right person to settle down with, can and usually is, a daunting prospect.

Being chosen to represent your best pal as the best man, can be the breaking of long and trusted friendships. Many a best man has found the pressure of writing a speech, and worse, the prospect of actually stand up to deliver it, more than any lifelong friendship can stand.

Someone once suggested that you should imagine that your audience are all sitting there dressed in only their birthday suits, with dummies in their mouths and baby rattles in their hands. Well, if that works for you, then imagine away. But it's hard to concentrate even on naked babies, when your mouth is dry and your leathery tongue has taken a vow of eternal silence. It is useful to remember that the guests, (who would admit that they would be terrified to be in your shoes,) have nothing but admiration for your courage.

It helps if you focus your attention on one sitting at very back of the room. It is not a good idea to make that person an attractive woman, or even a vaguely pretty one. It is always best to choose an ordinary looking man, who does not seem to have much interest in the proceedings.

Traditionally the best man or master of ceremonies introduces the speakers in turn, starting with the bride's father, then the groom and finally the bestman's own eagerly awaited speech. More recently there is a trend for the bride to speak, either with her husband or after has speech.

Make sure that all the guests can see the top table without having to stand.

Speeches should be kept relatively short- about 10 minutes.